Introduction to the Fireflies
The Fireflies is a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team based in Columbia, South Carolina. The team is affiliated with the Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the New York Mets. The Fireflies began play in the South Atlantic League in 2016 and have been members of the league since. The team is owned by Hardball Capital and managed by Jose Leger.
The History of the Fireflies
The Fireflies were founded in 2015, when Hardball Capital, a sports and entertainment company, purchased the Savannah Sand Gnats, a minor league team based in Savannah, Georgia. The new owners announced that they would be relocating the team to Columbia, South Carolina and changing their name to the Fireflies.
The Fireflies played their first game in Columbia on April 14, 2016. The team won their first game, defeating the Augusta GreenJackets 5-3. The Fireflies have had a successful run in the South Atlantic League, appearing in the playoffs in 2017 and 2018.
The Ballpark for the Fireflies
The Fireflies play their home games at Spirit Communications Park, located in Columbia, South Carolina. The ballpark opened in April 2016 and has a capacity of 9,077. The ballpark features a grass berm in left field and a picnic area behind the outfield wall.
The ballpark also features a kids zone, which includes a playground and a carousel, as well as a 360-degree concourse that circles the entire ballpark. The ballpark also offers a variety of food options, including hot dogs, burgers, and pizza.
Affiliation with the New York Mets
The Fireflies are affiliated with the Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the New York Mets. The affiliation began in 2016 and is currently in place. The affiliation allows the Mets to send players to the Fireflies in order to develop and hone their skills in the minor leagues.
The affiliation also allows the Mets to scout potential players in the Fireflies organization. The Mets have sent several players to the Fireflies over the years, including outfielder Brandon Nimmo and shortstop Amed Rosario.
The Fireflies’ Uniforms
The Fireflies have two sets of uniforms that they wear during games. The home uniforms consist of a white jersey with blue and black trim, blue pants, and a blue cap with a red “F” on the front. The away uniforms consist of a gray jersey with blue and black trim, gray pants, and a blue cap with a red “F” on the front.
The Fireflies also have a “throwback” jersey that they wear for select games. The throwback jersey is a replica of the uniforms worn by the Savannah Sand Gnats in 2015. The jersey is navy blue with orange and white trim, and an orange “S” on the front.
Fireflies Players of Note
The Fireflies have had several players of note in their five seasons in the South Atlantic League. Some of the most notable players are
- Brandon Nimmo: Brandon Nimmo was a first round pick in the 2011 MLB draft by the Mets. He was sent to the Fireflies in 2016 and was named the South Atlantic League MVP. He made his major league debut in 2017 and is currently playing for the Mets.
- Amed Rosario: Amed Rosario was a first round pick in the 2012 MLB draft by the Mets. He was assigned to the Fireflies in 2016 and was named the South Atlantic League Player of the Year. He made his major league debut in 2017 and is currently playing for the Mets.
- Tim Tebow: Tim Tebow joined the Fireflies in 2017 after signing a minor league contract with the Mets. He appeared in 84 games for the Fireflies, hitting .226 with 8 home runs and 52 RBIs. He is currently playing in the Mets organization.
Community Involvement
The Fireflies are committed to giving back to the community and have been involved in several community initiatives over the years.
The team has partnered with the City of Columbia to support a variety of programs, including the Community Baseball Program, which provides free baseball clinics for youth. The team also sponsors an annual food drive and has partnered with the local YMCA to provide free tickets to local youth.
The Fireflies also host a variety of special events throughout the season, including Bark in the Park and Kids Run the Bases.
Fireflies Fans
The Fireflies have a passionate and loyal fan base. The team has drawn over 1 million fans in each of their five seasons in Columbia. The team also has an active presence on social media, with over 40,000 followers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram combined.
The team also has an active presence in the community, with several fan clubs and booster clubs. The Fireflies Booster Club is the team’s largest fan club and hosts a variety of events throughout the season.
Fireflies Merchandise
The Fireflies have a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase, including jerseys, hats, t-shirts, and other items. The team also has an online store where fans can purchase official Fireflies merchandise.
The team also has a variety of promotional items that are given away at games throughout the season. These items include bobbleheads, trading cards, and other collectibles.
Conclusion
The Fireflies are a Minor League Baseball team based in Columbia, South Carolina. The team is affiliated with the Major League Baseball team, the New York Mets, and plays their home games at Spirit Communications Park. The team has had a successful run in the South Atlantic League, appearing in the playoffs in 2017 and 2018.
The Fireflies have a passionate fan base and have been involved in several community initiatives. The team also has a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase.
Whether you’re a fan of the Mets or just a fan of Minor League Baseball, the Fireflies are sure to provide an entertaining experience.